Story perspectives

U.S. Naval Strikes Target Venezuelan Drug Trade Amid Tensions

12/28/2025

Left

Trump Targets Venezuelan Traffickers

A secret directive authorized naval strikes against drug trafficking off Venezuela's coast, linking action to weakening Maduro and securing U.S. oil access.
In December 2025, Ecuadorian police prepared to arrest Andrés Fernando Tufiño Chila, a survivor of a U.S. military strike on a drug-smuggling vessel.
U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Tufiño and another survivor as terrorists, triggering pressure from Cuban American lawmakers urging harsher actions on Venezuela.

Right

Trump Intensifies Drug Operations

U.S. President Donald Trump oversees a campaign that has intensified operations against drug trafficking near Venezuela, utilizing aircraft such as the AC-130J Ghostrider.
Recent footage shows the AC-130J Ghostrider striking drug boats, marking a shift from drone operations.
The campaign has logged over 20 lethal strikes.
The military build-up aims to target narco-terrorists and potentially destabilize Nicolás Maduro's regime, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directing the effort.

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Trump Targets Venezuelan Traffickers

A secret directive authorized naval strikes against drug trafficking off Venezuela's coast, linking action to weakening Maduro and securing U.S. oil access.
In December 2025, Ecuadorian police prepared to arrest Andrés Fernando Tufiño Chila, a survivor of a U.S. military strike on a drug-smuggling vessel.
U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Tufiño and another survivor as terrorists, triggering pressure from Cuban American lawmakers urging harsher actions on Venezuela.

1 / 2